The Kent Arts Commission has released its 2017-2018 Spotlight Series lineup.
The upcoming season is the 20th anniversary of Spotlight Series and features nine performances, beginning Oct. 6 and running through March.
Tickets may be purchased online at kentarts.com, by calling 253-856-5051 or in person at the Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N. Hours for phone and in-person sales are Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Box office is closed on Sunday.
Spotlight Series is presented by the Kent Arts Commission and Kent Parks, Recreation and Community Services and partially funded by 4Culture, WESTAF, National Endowment for the Arts, Washington State Arts Commission and a variety of business and individual sponsors.
The lineup:
• Wylie and the Wild West
Friday, Oct. 6
Kent-Meridian PAC, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $25 general, $22 senior, $15 youth
Wylie Gustafson is an American original. The singer, songwriter, rancher, horseman and world-famous Yahoo yodeler leads the musical outfit. The group delights audiences with cowboy music, traditional country, western swing, folk, and, of course, yodeling.
• Las Migas
Friday, Oct. 27
Kent Lutheran Church, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $25 general, $22 senior, $15 youth
The group delivers a fascinating blend of Flamenco and Mediterranean music from Spain. The Barcelona-based quartet combines classic and contemporary rhythms, and melodies that range from powerful to passionate to playful.
• An Evening with Molly Ringwald
Thursday, Nov. 30
Kentwood PAC, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $32 general, $28 senior, $18 youth
Along with her quartet, the actress, writer and singer delivers a crowd-pleasing jazz concert. The New York Times says, “The spin she brings to the American Songbook is thoroughly contemporary.” An actress of stage and screen, Ringwald earned a Golden Globe nomination at age 13, and went on to star in numerous films, including the iconic films “Sixteen Candles,” “The Breakfast Club” and “Pretty in Pink.”
• Magical Strings 31st Annual Celtic Yuletide Concert
Sunday, Dec. 3
Kent-Meridian PAC, 3 p.m.
Tickets: $25 general, $22 senior, $15 youth
The Boulding Family’s musical celebration of the holiday season is a festive and memorable tradition. Once again, Pam and Philip Boulding are joined by their children, grandchildren and guests for an afternoon of Yuletide music, Irish step dancing, drumming and storytelling.
• Tapestry Dance Company “Passing it Forward”
Friday, Jan. 26
Kentwood PAC, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $10 general, $10 senior $10 youth
Tapestry is a world-renowned tap dance company. “Passing It Forward” takes a dynamic look at “The American Dream,” and how individuals navigate through complexities of race, culture, gender identity and equal rights. The show explores some of the most challenging aspects of our complicated American history in a positive and joyful way.
• Seattle Rock Orchestra performs the music of Pink Floyd
Saturday, Feb. 3
Kentwood PAC, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $28 general, $25 senior, $15 youth
Seattle Rock Orchestra blends the unabashed performance energy of rock ‘n’ roll with the broader musical nuances of classical music. This orchestra, with strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, choir and guest vocalists, celebrates the orchestral tradition while exploring the rich history of rock and pop music.
• We Banjo 3
Friday, Feb. 9
Kent-Meridian PAC, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $26 general, $24 senior, $15 youth
One of the best live acts to come out of Ireland in recent years is the multi-award winning quartet. The group delivers a ground-breaking mixture of Irish, old-time American and bluegrass music with remarkable virtuosity and passion.
• John McEuen & Friends present “Will the Circle Be Unbroken”
Friday, March 9
Kent-Meridian PAC, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $28 general, $25 senior, $15 youth
McEuen has been performing with his banjo, fiddle, guitar and mandolin for 45-plus years. A founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, McEuen instigated the 1972 classic “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” album.
• Frank Ferrante in “An Evening with Groucho”
Friday, March 23
Kent-Meridian PAC, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $28 general, $25 senior, $15 youth
Award-winning Frank Ferrante recaptures his New York, London and PBS triumph as legendary Groucho Marx in this fast-paced comedy packed with classic Marx Brothers one-liners, dances, jokes, ad-libs, and songs. The audience literally becomes part of the show as Ferrante ad libs his way throughout the performance in grand Groucho style.
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